Winter in Maine gives you the permission to do less, while experiencing more. That might be why this year, the number of guests we’ve welcomed during the winter season is actually growing faster than it has during the warmer months. Here’s our guide to a winter wellness weekend in Maine at The Viewpoint.
Friday
4PM — Sunset soak session
Start the weekend right by slipping into the hot tub — we’ve just upgraded our hot tub at The Baths, by the way. The contrast of warm water and crisp coastal air is immediate therapy and sets the tone for your weekend. Watch the sky turn from blue to pink, before cozying up for dinner. Please check the weather, as it isn’t advised to use a hot tub during the extreme cold!
6PM — Dinner in-town
Don’t travel too far on your first night and stick nearby. At The Viewpoint, we share a carefully curated guide of our favorite restaurants with every guest. Walkers Maine keeps things cozy and seasonal with wood-fired dishes — the kind of food (like beets) that feels grounding after travelling, and packed with the nutrients you need in the winter. Our other favorite winter spots nearby include Nick’s Steakhouse for a classic night out, or a short drive to Cava for tapas meant to be shared slowly.
9PM — Cozy up with a book or a game
Just because we have smart televisions and fast WiFi doesn’t mean you have to use them. Center yourself with a cozy book, something that isn’t too complicated, or play a game of chess with your travel partner by the fireplace. Each room at The Viewpoint has a flameless fireplace, which is good for indoor air quality and still cozy.
Saturday
6AM — Watch America’s first sunrise over Nubble Lighthouse
Pull the covers tighter or step onto the balcony wrapped in a robe. Maine is the first state to see the sunrise in the contiguous United States, and while a winter sunrise certainly doesn’t bring the heat… we think it’s even better than a summer sunrise. From your bed or private terrace at The Viewpoint, you’ll see a soft orange glow slowly rising from the ocean horizon just beside Nubble Lighthouse. The soft snow makes mornings even more silent, with only the sounds of lapping waves and seabirds waking up alongside you.
8AM — Slow morning by the sea
Brew a coffee or tea in your room and do absolutely nothing else. Winter weekends are about resisting urgency, and watching the snow fall or waves crash. This type of planned unstructured time is important for feeling like you’ve actually decompressed for the weekend. You can grab takeout bagels, head to breakfast, or do whatever your heart desires, too.
10AM — Morning sauna session
After witnessing the sunrise, wrap yourself in a robe and make your way to the sauna while the morning is still hushed and new. The Scandinavians built entire wellness traditions around the contrast of extreme heat and cold ocean air, and Mainers deeply understand that instinct in the winter.
11AM — Start your spa day
Start your spa day at The Spa House with a complimentary herbal tea and snack. Speaking of Scandinavian wellness rituals, the Acadian Swedish Massage at The Spa House combines a reverence for Maine’s nature with Nordic massage technique. If you’re looking to fend off dry, dull, or flaky winter skin — facials at The Spa House were designed to do exactly that, too.
2PM — Leisurely lunch and stroll in Portsmouth
York is already charming, but it happens to be surrounded by some other most-charming-towns superlative winners. Plus, you can visit two states in one day. From a vegan lunch at Green Elephant to raw bar at Row 34, have a leisurely lunch in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Take your time before or afterwards for a stroll, seeing the historic Piscataqua River and popping into independent stores, including G. Williker’s! for toys, Pickwick’s Mercantile for gifts, The Drift Collective for upcycled clothing, and more.
4PM — Hot chocolate and rest
Wellness weekends call for a nap. If you’d rather not doze-off, turn a sweet treat into a meditative moment. Make yourself a treat at The Viewpoint’s winter hot chocolate bar and stare at the ocean, thinking about everything or nothing at all.
6PM — Scenic drive to dinner (or pick-up takeout) in Ogunquit
Keep the exploration going. Take a drive from York to Ogunquit on scenic Shore Road, winding back and forth through the woods and directly onto the seaside (sometimes driving between the ocean and a marsh) with snow-covered trees and local seal families popping their heads out near the beach, if you’re lucky. Cap the day with an elevated meal at MC Perkin’s Cove in quaint Perkin’s Cove, or bring pizza back to your room from Cornerstone.
8PM — The ultimate nightcap
If you’re staying in Ogunquit for dinner, pop into Crew for a cocktail and one of their pop-up piano bar nights. If you’re staying in, which we think is very underrated for the most restorative weekend, pop open a bottle of wine or non-alcoholic libation while watching the light on Nubble Lighthouse calmly glow. That’s what you came here for, after all.
Sunday
10AM — Breakfast in Kittery Foreside
Lil’s Cafe is one of our favorite spots for a thoughtful breakfast. Their pastries are perfectly balanced, and their menu is simple but mighty. Nearby, family-owned Elephantine Bakery has perhaps the only simit on the seacoast (and it’s extraordinarily good).
11AM — Antique before heading home
Bring something home with you from a Maine antique store. Our state is constantly in the rankings for the best antiquing in America, and we have to agree.
By late morning, it's time to stop by it’s time to head home with a fresh face and fresh mind, and shoulders lower than when you arrived.
